Labour demands urgent action to end child evictions

Labour Leader Ivana Bacik TD today challenged Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan during Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil, urging Government to take immediate action to end child homelessness and protect families from eviction. Highlighting shocking figures showing that one in five children – more than 225,000 – are living below the breadline, Deputy Bacik called for urgent restoration of the tenant in situ scheme, progress on Labour’s housing priority Bill, and a ban on child evictions.

Deputy Bacik said:

“The families of one in five children in Ireland now live below the breadline. That is more than 225,000 children growing up in poverty in one of the wealthiest countries in Europe. We now see more than 5,000 children in emergency accommodation, and many more in overcrowded homes – multiple generations all under one roof. Families are in despair, and our Labour representatives are hearing daily from people who are becoming increasingly desperate. Yet there is no safety net for those facing eviction.

“Today we learn that the Minister for Housing has written to councils about the tenant in situ scheme – the very programme that was meant to keep families in their homes when a landlord sells up. But this Government gutted that scheme earlier this year, effectively ending new acquisitions in Dublin and Cork. Minister Browne now talks about allowing some acquisitions in 2026. That is kicking the can down the road, borrowing from next year’s budget, and doing nothing for the thousands of families already turned away this year. It is a dereliction of duty.

“Worse still, when challenged directly in the Dáil today, the Minister failed to give a straight answer. He could not commit to even the most basic measures that would prevent children being evicted into homelessness. These are simple, practical steps – restore tenant in situ, legislate to protect children, and ban no-fault evictions – yet Government refuses to act. That failure speaks volumes about their priorities.

“Every day, Labour representatives are working with families facing eviction. Every day, we learn of parents whose applications under the tenant in situ scheme have been rejected. Where are those families to go? The consequence of evicting a child from their home is horrendous. This Government has the power to stop it, but is choosing not to act.

“There are three immediate steps Government could take. First, use this Budget to restore the tenant in situ scheme to full functionality. Second, progress our Labour Bill which would require local authorities to prioritise housing for children when they do become homeless. Government parties supported it before – yet for years it has been left on the shelf. Third, restore the ban on no-fault evictions, at the very least in cases where children are involved. Families need security, not more instability.

“Tomorrow morning Labour will put a motion before the Dáil calling on Government to end child evictions, restore tenant in situ, and prioritise housing for children. I urge Government TDs to support it. And if they will not, they must explain why. Because the reality is stark: this Government is failing on housing, and that failure is forcing more and more children into homelessness.

“The scale of child poverty and homelessness in Ireland today is intolerable. No child should grow up in emergency accommodation. No parent should have to live in fear of eviction. Minister, you must act. End child evictions. Restore the tenant in situ scheme. Pass our Bill to prioritise housing for children. Families cannot wait another year for promises – they need action now.”